A1 Journal article (refereed)
‘Can I tell?’ : Children’s participation and positioning in a secretive atmosphere in family therapy (2021)
Helimäki, M., Laitila, A., & Kumpulainen, K. (2021). ‘Can I tell?’ : Children’s participation and positioning in a secretive atmosphere in family therapy. Journal of Family Therapy, 43(1), 96-123. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-6427.12296
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Helimäki, Mira; Laitila, Aarno; Kumpulainen, Kirsti
Journal or series: Journal of Family Therapy
ISSN: 0163-4445
eISSN: 1467-6427
Publication year: 2021
Volume: 43
Issue number: 1
Pages range: 96-123
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-6427.12296
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/69004
Abstract
As a multifaceted phenomenon, family secrets affect interaction in the therapeutic system. This qualitative study, applying the multi‐actor Dialogical Methods for Investigations of Happening of Change, explored how children participated and positioned themselves in family therapy in a climate of family secrets. The results showed that the children were active co‐participants in the complex dynamics of a secretive atmosphere, involving themselves in the paradoxical processes of reconstructing and deconstructing the secretive and unsafe climate. In family therapy, a child’s symptomatic behaviour can function as a visible ‘cover story’ for invisible constructions of secrets, preventing sensitive topics from becoming the focus of therapy. Family secrets therefore continue to present a challenge in family therapy practice and research.
Keywords: family therapy; children (family members); family relations; secrets; interaction
Free keywords: children’s positioning; family secret; family therapy; systemic interaction
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2021
JUFO rating: 1